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Reviews > Clothing > Shirts > Ibex Scout Half-Zip Shirt > James Triplett > Initial ReportInitial Test Report:
IBEX Scout 1/2 Zip
Midlayer Merino Wool Pullover (Found in the "shirt" section on the IBEX website.) by James E. Triplett November 16, 2005
Personal Biographical Information:
Backpacking Background: I am an
experienced hiker, backpacker, and camper, and am gaining more
experience with winter camping every year. I hike every day, and
backpack when possible, which leads to many weekends backpacking and
camping each year. I try and take at least one annual week-long
backpacking trip in addition to many one to three-night weekend
trips. My style can best be described as lightweight, but
not at the cost of giving up too much comfort. I generally sleep
in a tent, and seem to be collecting quite a few of them to choose from.
Manufacturer Information:
Product Information:
Additional IBEX Scout 1/2 Zip information: (from the IBEX website) Description:
Colors
and Sizes:
This half-zip pullover is perfect as a midlayer or outerwear for:
Machine washable Bouclé, made from New Zealand Merino wool  Review: Initial Inspection: The IBEX Scout 1/2 Zip is listed in the Mens Shirt section of the IBEX website. The specific product description simply refers to it as a "midlayer" and a "pullover", and it is my opinion that it is not a "shirt". It is similar to fleece jackets I own, although it is thinner, and denser, as I would expect from a wool product. To avoid confusion, I will call the Scout 1/2 Zip simply a "pullover" throughout this report. The IBEX Scout 1/2 Zip pullover has a feel similar to fleece, but it is in fact made of Merino wool. It has a zipper which runs from the collar half way down the front of the chest. There is also a small, zippered, tricot lined chest pocket (accessible from the outside), and a divided internal pocket at the same location. The Scout has an interesting stitch pattern, where the seams curve before they end, which is attractive and seems to be a trademark of IBEX products. The deep red color is awesome. It is kind of a brick red, which is deep, luxurious, and quite attractive. I discovered no defects in materials or workmanship. Further Inspection: The IBEX Scout 1/2 Zip is made of wool from New Zealand Merino Free Range Sheep. The fabric is called bouclé, which can be defined as "a type of wool with curled or looped threads, made with one thread looser than the others." The bouclé fabric is coarse on the outside and a tighter knit on the inside. The fabric doesn't appear to be very stretchy, and although the inside is smooth, it still feels like wool. This is not a bad thing. The pullover has a very nice feel to it. The tag simply says "100% Merino Wool". The Scout is machine washable.  The center of the collar to the cuff measures 34 inches (86 cm) Initial Fit: There are no specific sizes for the Scout 1/2 Zip on the IBEX website, only a generic size chart. My measurements (for me, not the Scout) are as follows:
These measurements indicate that a size large should fit based on the generic IBEX size chart. It lists the following (for size large):
 The hem measures 22 1/4 inches (56 1/2 cm) across IBEX says the cut is a "relaxed fit", and my size large IBEX Approach Tights fit perfectly, so I thought I was safe in selecting the large pullover. Unfortunately, I should have gotten the size XL for the Scout. The Scout 1/2 Zip I received has sleeves that measure only 34 inches (86 cm) and they are just too short. The chest measurement feels about right, although snug, and measures 44 1/2 inches (113 cm), but the length of the Scout (which measures 29 inches (74 cm) from the hem of the waist to the top of the collar in back) is just a tad bit short. It barely goes past my waist and I would like another 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in length. The zipper is 11 1/2 inches (29 cm) long and provides an ample opening for putting on and taking off the Scout. What all this means is that I have decided to exchange the large Scout for and extra-large Scout. I talked to IBEX and there is an easy exchange process and the pullover I received is on its way back to IBEX in Woodstock, Vermont. My next report will contain details on the fit of the XL pullover as well as a new set of measurements comparing the two sizes.  Test Plan: My test plans include evaluating the IBEX Scout 1/2 Zip midlayer pullover for fit and comfort, warmth and durability, and the features from the IBEX website listed above. I will be using the Scout 1/2 Zip on all my day hikes and weekend trips, evaluating different layering techniques both under and over the Scout. This will primarily be in Iowa and Missouri. The average temperature and precipitation data for Eastern Iowa is in the table below. The elevations here range from around 480 feet (145 meters) near the Mississippi river, to around 800 feet (245 meters) around my house.
 Summary: The IBEX Scout 1/2 Zip midlayer pullover is aesthetically pleasing, especially, in my opinion, in the deep red color. The fabric reminds me of a wool blanket on the outside, but is smoother and less itchy on the inside. The fit is straight, as the Scout is designed to be worn as an outer layer, or under another layer. Besides the snug fit of the size large pullover, as mentioned above, the Scout 1/2 Zip is pretty much what I expected. The angle of the chest pocket seems a little different, but that could be due to the perspective of the image on the website. The exposed stitching on the curved seams is cool, and I can't wait to get the XL version to try out in some cold weather. Respectfully submitted, -James T.
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